Hope Island Village Square marketplace demolition begins

Demolition has begun of one of the city’s biggest “eyesores,” years after the massive 40,000 sqm property was abandoned. Here’s what’s planned for the property.

DEMOLITION has begun of one of the city’s biggest “eyesores,” years after the giant 40,000 sqm property was abandoned.

Today Wipeout Demolitions moved their excavators onto the Hope Island Village Square property, formerly a purpose-built arts and crafts theme park.

Village Market Square at Hope Island is being demolished and turned into retirement units. Picture: Jerad Williams

The property recently sold for $17.025m after a five-year dispute.

Wipeout Demolition owner Timothy Hend said the demolition would be broken down into two parts, firstly removing the buildings upon the site, before ripping up the concrete slabs and carpark.

Village Square, a failed marketplace at Hope Island. Picture Glenn Hampson

The job was expected to take two months, beginning with two excavators before expanding to four later on, he said.

“It will become a retirement village,” Mr Hend said of the property.

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Wipeout Demolition boss Tim Hend on site. Picture: Jerad Williams

“It’s been abandoned for about five years now, it had squatters living in there. We normally do a lot of residential and commercial works, this one’s just been a bit of an eyesore for the community.”

The site had been “pilfered” dry and the buildings were devoid of items, he said.

One remaining squatter is expected to leave the site in the coming weeks.

Mr Hend said 90 per cent of the rubble collected during the demolition would be recycled.